Dampening device for plate cylinders in offset-process printing presses



July 2, 3 929. 5. MOE ET AL 1,719,017

DAMPENING DEVICE FOR PLATE CYLINDERS IN OFFSET PROCESS PRINTING PRESSES Filed. Oct. 28, 1927 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS.

Y Patented July 2, 1929- UNITED STATES V A 1,719,017 PATENT OFFICE.

SIVER'I' MOE AND SIGURD A. MQE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

DAMPENING DEVICE FOR PLATE CYLINDERS IN OFFSET-PROCESS PRINTING PRESSES.

Application filed October 28, 1927. Serial No. 229,301..

- Another object of theinventionis to provide automatically actuated means for con trolling the application of moisture in a manner to prevent its entering the gap or open portion formed in the face of the plate cylinder.

Another object of the invention is to pro- 'vide a structure whereby the area of the cylinder to which the molsture is applied may be varied as desired, and wherein any excess of moisture resulting from the operation of the device may be returned to its 1 source of supply.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel form of nozzle for producing an exceptionally fine spray or mist for application to a plate cylinder.

A still further object of the invention is to improve devices of the character described in sundry details hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 1

One embodiment of the invention is shown ing drawing, in which Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation through a portion of anoitset process printing press illustrating the application of our improved cylinder dampening device thereto, a and taken approximately as indicated by the line 11 of Fig. 2. 1

Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating sub stantially the arrangement of the parts shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of Fig. 2 illustrating the means em ployed in the device by which the application of moisture to various portions of the cylinder may be controlled.

- Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 3, illustrating in addition thereto, the-source from which the moisture for dampeningthe cylinder isobtained, and

for illustrative purposes in the accompanythe means for returning any excess moisture. to its source of supply.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of a portion of Fig. 1, illustrating a changed position of the automatically actuated means for preventing the moisture from entering the gap or open portion formed in the face of the plate cylinder.

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation of the upper portion of one of the nozzles illustrating the novel form thereof for producing an exceptionally fine spray or mist tor application to the plate cylinder.

In the accompanying drawing only so much of an ofiset process printing press has been shown as is thought necessary for a clear understanding oi? the present invention, and, in the illustrative embodiment, comprises a plate cylinder 10 to the outer surface of which an etched plate 11 (Fig. 2)

is attached, the said cylinder being provided with a gap or opening 12 in its periphery to admit of the positioning of clamping or other suitable means (not shown) within the body of the cylinder 10 for securing the etched plate thereto.

Suitably positioned in a manner to cooperate with the plate 11 are a plurality of inking rollers 13 for applying inks of ditferent colors to said plate, and positioned also in a manner to co-operate with the plate 11 is a blanket cylinder or roller 14 to which the ink applied to theplate 11 is transferred and from which the ink so transferred is applied to the paper or other material 15 pass ing between the roller 14 and impression cylinder or rollers 16, all of which is .well known in printing presses of the oflset process type.

For dampening the plate 11, as is common practice in the operation of printing presses of the character described, we have devised a novel construction and arrangement of elements for applying water to the plate lland cylinder 10 in the form of a very fine spray or mist, which consists of a tube 17 having a closed end portion 18, and having its opposponding to the spacing of the ports 21', are

Suitably mounted with respect to the tube 17, preferably in( lugs 22 formed on the rings 22, are a plurality of preferably short pipes or nozzles 25 having their lower end portions submerged in the water of a supply tank or reservoir 26, mounted on cross bars 27 suitably positioned in a pair of frame members 28, and having their upper or discharge end portions terminating adjacent the outlet ports 21 substantially in the plane of passage of the air emitted from saidports in a manner to cause the air under pressure from the ports 21 to pass over or across the upper open end of the nozzle 25 in a direction substantially at right angles to the axial line of the nozzle, thereby creating a vacuum at the upper end of the nozzle for drawing water from the tank 26 and forcing it in the form of a fine spray or mist against the cylinder 10 and plate 11.

It will be noted, by reference to Fig. 6, that the outer surface of the upper end of the. nozzle25 is of a tapered or substantially semi-spherical formas indicated at 29, and

that the inner surface of the nozzle is also slightly tapered, as indicated at 30, thereby providing only a minimum of material between the outer and inner surfaces of the nozzle at the extreme discharge end thereof.

It has been found that by providing a nozzle having a discharge end of the above described form, and by directing the current of compressed air from the ports 21acr0ss the discharge end of the nozzle at substantially a right angle to the axial line thereof, the water discharged from the nozzle is broken up into the form of an exceptionally fine spray ormist and in such form directed against the surface of the plate cylinder, it being apparent from the foregoing description that no appreciable body of water can form beyond the discharge end of the nozzle as is the case in the use of. a nozzle having a discharge end of substantial area, -or 1n lnstances where the air pressure is directed past the discharge end of the nozzle 1n a direction substantially parallel to the axial line of the nozzle or any angle less than approximately a right angle thereto. For rendering the air, under pressure, dis: charged from any of the ports 21 ineffectual to draw and spray water from the tank 26 onto the plate cylinder 10, the respective rings 22 are provided with lugs 31 to which a plurality of damper arms 32 are pivoted,

one end of said arms being provided with a relatively broad flat portion 33, (Figs. 3 and 4) adapted to be ositioned between the discharge port 21 an the discharge'end of the nozzle 25 when the arm 32 is mQV d t the dotted line position shown in Fig. 4, thereby deflecting the current of air discharged from the ports 21 away from the discharge end of the nozzle 25 in a manner to break the vacuum at the discharge end of the nozzle and render the nozzle inoperative. Inasmuch as these damper arms 32 are mounted in a manner to be operated independently of each other, it will be observed from the foregoing description that the application of moisture to various portions of the plate cylinder may be effectually controlled, and, if desired, may be shut oil entirely merely by the manipulation of all the damper arms 32 to position their flat end portions 33 between the discharge ends of the nozzles 25 and ports 21.

For preventing moisture from entering the gap or opening 12 in the plate cylinder 10 during the operation of the machine, a ballle plate 34 is secured to an oscillating shaft or bar 35 pivotally mounted at its opposite ends in upright bearing portions 36 formed on the frame members 28. Secured, preferably to one end of the oscillating shalt 35 is an arm 37 pivotally connected at its free end to one end of a link 38, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to the free-end of an arm 39 pivotally mounted at 40 on an extension 41 formed on one of the frame members 28. Rotatably mounted on one side of the arm 39 and intermediate the ends thereof is an anti-friction roller 42 adapted 43, may be connected at one of its ends to the arm 39, and at its opposite end to a portion of the extension 41 formed on one of the frame members 28.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that as the gap 12 or open side of the cylinder 10 approaches the moistening device, the roller 42, by reason, of its longitudinal position with respect to the plate cylinder and the urging of the spring 43, will enter the gap 12,'and througlrthe connections of the arm 39 with the battle plate 34 will cause the plate to assume the position illustrated in Fig. 5, thereby causing the spray or mist from the nozzle 25 to be deflected onto an inclined plate or drain board 44 suitably positioned beneath the baffle plate and by which the moisture will be returned to the supply tank 26. This portion of the bafile plate will be maintained ,of the plate cylindersurface engages tie roller 42 in a manner to move it outwardly, the shaft will be rocked in a manner to move the plate 34 to the position shown in Fig. 1, thereby permitting the spray or mist from the nozzle 25 to be directed against the plate secured to the surface of the cylinder.

F or varying the area of the plate cylinder surface to which moisture is applied, the

link 38 is provided at itsend portion adjacent the arm 37 with a slot in which the pivotal connection between the arm 37 and link 38 maybe adjustably positioned in a manner to vary the effective length of the link 38, thereby varying the width of the opening formed between the edge of the plate 34 and drain board 44 adjacent the cylinder and by so doing determine the area on the surface of the cylinder to which the moisture is applied.

It will be observed from the foregoing specification that the present invention provides a device for applying moisture to'plate cylinders in a form of exceptionally tine spray or mist, and wherein the application of moisture to various portions of the cylinder may be controlled. Also that our invention provides automatically actuated means for preventing the moisture from entering the gap formed in the plate cylinder and means for varying, as desired, the=area of the surface of the cylinder to which moisture is applied.

Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the precise construction and arrangement shown and described, as the same may be variously modified. Moreover, all the features of the invention need not be used conjointly, as the same may be used to advantage in variously different combinations and subcombinations.

What we claim as our invention and desire to secure bylaetters Patent is:

1. ln an offset process printing press, the combination with a plate cylinder, of means for applying moisture thereto comprising a nozzle communicating with a source of watersupply, means for directing a current of air under pressure past-the discharge end of said nozzle at substantially a right an le to the axial line of said nozzle and toward said cylinder, and means for deflecting said current of air away from the discharge end'of said 'nozzle.

2. In an oflsetprocess printing press, the combination with a plate cylinder, of means for applying moisture thereto, ,comprising a plurality of nozzles communicating with a source of water supply and having inwardly 'tapered lnner and outer surfaces formed at the discharge ends thereofpmeans for direct; ing currents of air under pressure past the discharge ends of said nozzles at substan tially right angles to the axial line of said nozzles and toward said cylinder, and means associated with said directing means for deflecting said currents of air away from the discharge ends of said nozzles.

3. In an offset process printing press, the

combination with a plate cylinder, of means for applying moisture thereto comprising a plurality of nozzles communicating with a source of water supply, and having inwardly tapered inner and outer surfaces formed at the discharge ends thereof means communicating with a source of air pressure supply'and having a plurality of dis charge ports formed therein for directing currents of air under pressure past the discharge ends of said nozzles at substantially right angles to the axial line of said nozzles" and toward said cylinder, and means adapted to be positioned between the discharge ends of said nozzles and saidports for deflecting said currents of air away from the discharge ends of said nozzles.

4. In an ofiset process printing press, the combinaton with a plate cylinder, of means for applying moisture thereto comprising a plurality of nozzles communicating with a source of water supply, a tube adapted to communicate with a source of air pressure supply and having discharge ports formed therein adjacent the discharge ends of said nozzles and positioned with respect thereto in a manner to direct currents of air past the discharge ends of said nozzles at substantially right angles to the axial line thereof and toward said cylinder, and a plurality of pivoted armshaving relatively broad flat end portions adapted to be posi tioned between the discharge-ends of said nozzles and said ports for deflecting the currents of air away from said nozzles.

5. ln an-offset process printing press, the

combination with a rotatable plate cylinder having a gap formed in the periphery thereof, of a device for spraying moisture on said cylinder, and means for preventing the entrance-of moisture into said gap as the cylinder is rotated.

- 6. In an offset process printing press, the combination with a rotatable plate cylinder having a gap formed in the periphery thereof, of a device for spraying moisture on said cylinder, and automatically actuated means for preventing the entrance of moisture lIllZO said gap as the cylinder is rotated.

7. In an offset process printing press, the combination with a rotatable plate cylinder having a gap formed in the periphery thereof, of a device for spraying moisture on sald cylinder and automatically actuated means adapted to be positioned etween said cylinder and spraying device for preventlng the entrance ofmoisture into said gap'as the cylinder is rotated.

8. In an ofiset process-printingpress, the

combination with a rotatable plate cylinder having a gap formedin the periphery thereof, of a device for spraying moisture on said cylinder, a movable baffle plate mounted in- ,'6 termediat-e said cylinder and spraying device, and means co-operable with said cylinder and opcratively connected with the baffle plate for positioning said plate between said device and cylinder in a manner to prevent the entrance of moisture into said gap as the cylinder is rotated.

9. In an offset process printing press, the combination'with a rotatable plate cylinder having a gap formed in the periphery thereof, of a device for spraying water on said cylinder, said device having a source of water supply associated therewith, a movable baffle plate mounted intermediate said cylinder and spraying device, and means co-operable with said cylinder and operatively connected with the baffle plate for position ing said plate between said device and said cylinder in a manner to prevent the entrance of water into said gap as the cylinder is rotated, and means for conducting the water directed against said plate back to said source of supply,

10.- In an offset process printing press, the

combination with a rotatable plate cylinder having a gap formed in the periphery thereof, of a frame, a device for spraying water on said cylinder mounted on said frame, said device having a source of water supply associated therewith, a bafile plate pivotally mounted on said frame intermediate said cylinder and spraying device, an arm pivotally mounted on said frame. a link piv-- otally connected to the free end of said arm and operatively connected with said plate,

a roller mounted on said arm and co-operable with said cylinder in a manner to enter said gap when the gap is adjacent said spraying device, thereby rocking said battle plate on its pivot into position between said device and said gap, a drain board for returning excess water to said source of supply, and means for varying the relative position of said baflle plate with respect to said drain board.

11. In an offset process printing press, the combination with a rotatable plate cylinder, of a frame, means for spraying water on said cylinder and having a source of water supply and a drain board associated therewith, a movable baflie plate mounted on said frame and co-operable with said drain board in amanncr to form an opening therebetween adjacent said cylinder, automatically actuated means co-operable with the cylinder, a link for opeatively connecting said automatically actuated means with said baffle plate for positioning the plate between said spraying means and said cylinder, and means adjustable with respect to said link for varying the .width of the opening formed between said battle plate and drain board.

12. In an oflset process printing press, the combination with a plate cylinder, of means for applying moisture thereto, comprising a tube adapted to communicate with a source of air pressure supply and having a plurality of ports formed therein, a. plurality of bands mounted on said tube, means for securing said bands on said tube, nozzles carried by said bands and adapted to communicate witha source of water supply and having their discharge ends positioned adjacent said ports in a manner to cause the water from said source of water supply to be drawn through said nozzles and directed toward said cylinder by the discharge of air currents from said ports, and means mounted on said bands for deflecting said air currents away from said nozzles.

13. In an offset process printing press, the combination with a plate cylinder, of means for applying moisture thereto comprising a tube-adapted to communicate with a source of air pressure supply and having a plurality of air ports formed therein along one side thereof, a plurality of bands adjustably mounted on said tube and having openings formed therein adapted to register with said ports, means for securing said bands in ad justcd position on said tube, nozzles carried by said bands and adapted to communi rate with a source of water supply and having their discharge ends positioned adj accnt and in the radial line of said ports in a manner to cause the water from the said source of water supply to be drawuthrough said nozzles and directed toward said cylinder by the discharge of air currents from said ports, and arms pivotally mounted on the respective bands and having relatively broad end portions adapted to be positioned between the discharge ends of said nozzles and the respective adjacent air ports for deflecting the currents of air discharged from said ports away from said nozzles.

SIVERT MOE. SIGURD A. MOE. 

